2023 Hajj: CSO commends airlines over patriotism, cooperation
By Salisu Sani-Idris
Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a Civil Society Organisation (CSO), has commended the Nigerian airlines engaged by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for 2023 Hajj, for their patriotism and cooperation toward the success of the ongoing exercise.
National Coordinator of the organisation, Malam Ibrahim Muhammed, made the commendation in a statement on Saturday in Makkah.
Mohammed disclosed that based on the agreement reached with the airlines, NAHCON was expected to pay at least 50 per cent of the total fare before the commencement of the journey to the Holy land, but failed to do so due to some exigencies.
he, however, explained that the airlines provided full services without NAHCON meeting the terms of agreement.
“We are aware that after receiving all deposits from across the states, the Federal Capital Territopry (FCT) and the armed forces, NAHCON had gone ahead to deposit these monies into its accounts at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)
“The normal practice is for the apex bank to provide the dollar equivalent of monies deposited based on the approved official rates for disbursement by NAHCON to meet its obligations.
“But it is gratifying to note that after receiving assurances of payment whenever the dollars is made available, the airlines have gone ahead to not just offer full services, but they are so far doing a wonderful job.
” Over 50,000 pilgrims have so far been transported to Saudi Arabia by the airlines. We commend them for being patriotic,”he said
The coordinator urged NAHCON officials to ensure that proper arrangements were done toward the smooth take off of the second batch of pilgrims that would be airlifted after the hajj rites were performed.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NAHCON had engaged seven airlines including; Max Air, Azman, Air Peace, Aero Contractors, Ari Air, Value Jet and Saudi based Flynas, to convey Nigerians pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2023 Hajj.(NAN)
Edited by Polycarp Auta
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